MONROVIA, Liberia — August 24, 2026 — Winners of Liberia’s first Inter-University Debate among Presidential Scholarship recipients are scheduled to receive institutional and individual awards from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai today as part of the country’s National Flag Day program.
The debate, held August 13–14 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, brought together recipients of the Presidential Scholarship Program under the theme “Empowering Youth Intellect, Driving National Development.” The competition was designed to strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, academic excellence, and civic engagement among scholarship recipients.
According to Liberia’s Executive Mansion, the Presidential Scholarship Program has supported more than 490 students across 22 colleges and universities in seven counties, with nearly 100 beneficiaries expected to graduate this year. The merit-based program was launched in December 2024 to expand access to higher education.
Scholarship Program Expanding Nationwide
The Boakai administration is now expanding the program beyond its existing university beneficiaries.
New coverage is planned for additional public universities and community colleges, while the scholarship program will also be extended to public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, or TVET, as well as public high schools. The longer-term expansion is intended to reach educational institutions across Liberia’s 15 counties.
The TVET expansion places additional emphasis on practical skills that can prepare young Liberians for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
The government currently provides US$200,000 annually through the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs to cover tuition costs for scholarship recipients. The program also receives support through corporate partnerships.
Academic Achievement and Community Service
The scholarship operates under different categories. Students with a minimum 3.00 GPA can qualify for an academic scholarship covering 100 percent of tuition, while students with at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrated humanitarian need can qualify for financial assistance covering 60 percent of tuition.
Scholarship recipients are also required to complete 10 hours of community service each semester, connecting financial support for education with civic participation.
The expansion into universities, community colleges, public high schools and vocational institutions broadens the program’s role in Liberia’s education system and links scholarship assistance with the country’s workforce-development needs.
Today’s presentation of the debate awards during National Flag Day brings together two elements of the program: recognizing academic achievement while encouraging scholarship recipients to participate in Liberia’s civic and national development.